Communal hot meals available on the first Sunday of each month, 4-6pm at St John's church Hall. Everyone is welcome - there is no charge for meals but donations are accepted. Drop in for a meal and a chat!
The idea for Chat-Tea came about during the winter of 2017, when the Youth group at St John’s became aware that a homeless person had been sleeping in the church porch and they wanted to help. This prompted discussions regarding the idea of a regular community meal, to help the lonely, vulnerable or disadvantaged, which would be prepared and served by the young people, once a month.
Based in St John’s Church Hall, Chat-Tea café opened its doors to the public on October 7th 2018 and prior to the first Covid lockdown, served approximately 270 meals to people from the community.
During the first CV-19 lockdown, Chat-Tea moved to a take-away service in early May 2020 and delivered over 9,000 free hot meals and a great number of food parcels. All were welcome to receive meals, regardless of age, situation, ability to pay or religious affiliation. From mid October 2020 to Christmas 2021, the operation was led by three members of Ely Diocese's Changing Market Towns Project as part of their community outreach work, but the project was only possible thanks to the time and energy given by a team of over 15 volunteers.
The weekday meal delivery and collection service came to an end just before Christmas 2021, due to a drop in orders, staff/volunteer shortages and a rise in petrol/diesel costs; heartfelt thanks have been expressed to all those who have supported the project through its Covid lockdown phase. Chat-Tea has now returned to its pre-covid format with meals on the first Sunday of each month.
If you need more regular help with meals/food supplies, please click here to see the details of the local agencies and companies which can offer you support at this time.
St John's Church Hall
Station Road
March
Cambs
PE15 8SN
This community endeavour is running from the FACT transport centre, located at 5 Martin Avenue, PE15 0AY (near B&M)
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The hub is open every Monday and Friday from 10am-12pm; anyone from the community can access the fridge to donate or take food - not means tested and no vouchers or referrals needed.
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For more information, visit their Facebook page or contact:
T: 01354 661 234 E: hub@cotransport.org
The family and baby bank supports families with the items they require but may struggle to afford. From clothes to toys, cots, to highchairs.
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Items are available for exchange or a small donation. You can visit their shop at 166 Station Road (opposite St John’s Church) Mon-Fri 10am-3pm or call Rachel on 07985 727 025.
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The team are also on Facebook here. Donations of good quality items are gratefully accepted.
FACT Community Transport is a charity serving the Fenland area, for people who have difficulties using conventional modes of transport.
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Provides accessible, affordable and safe transport services. Dial-a-Ride, shopping/prescription collections and befriending services are currently running
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You must be a member of FACT to use these services. Call 01354 661 234 to find out more or visit www.fact-cambs.co.uk
The Foodbank is located at Centenary Baptist Church on High Street.
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It is open every Tuesday from 1-2:30pm. You need a voucher before visiting; call Ely Foodbank on 01353468626 or email info@elyfoodbank.org.uk for help.
Information, guidance and practical support to help you connect with your local community.
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Care Network offers support to anyone over the age of 18. Find out more on 01954 211 919 or visit www.care-network.org.uk
Camms Meals on Wheels provides good quality and nutritious meals.
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Affordable prices, delivered to your door. Ideal for the elderly, infirm and those who are temporarily unable to prepare meals for themselves. Call 01223 314 288 or visit their website.
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